Director of Energy and Resources

The Environment Agency (EA) plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing England’s environment — from improving air and water quality, to regulating industry, managing waste, and supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy. As a world-class regulator, the EA works at the intersection of environment, economy and society, helping to create a greener, more […]

The Environment Agency (EA) plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing England’s environment — from improving air and water quality, to regulating industry, managing waste, and supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy. As a world-class regulator, the EA works at the intersection of environment, economy and society, helping to create a greener, more resilient future for people, nature and business.

The Environment Agency is now seeking an exceptional leader to join its Environment and Business Directorate as Director of Energy and Resources. This is a pivotal and outward-facing role, leading the EA’s strategy and regulation across energy, waste, resources, chemicals and manufacturing — sectors that are critical to the UK’s ambitions for net zero, sustainable growth and industrial resilience.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Environment and Business, the postholder will lead a multi-disciplinary Directorate of around 260 staff and oversee a budget of approximately £36 million, with responsibility for a further £122 million of regulatory income. Working closely with government departments including DESNZ, Defra, DfT and DBT, and with senior industry leaders, the Director will shape and deliver regulatory strategies that both protect the environment and enable innovation, clean energy and growth.

The role combines strategic leadership, policy influence and delivery oversight. The successful candidate will advise the Executive Directors Team and Board on risks, opportunities and long-term direction across these vital sectors — ensuring that the EA’s regulatory regimes remain world-leading, proportionate and forward-looking.

This is a high-profile role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and credibility. Candidates will bring significant experience of working within or alongside central government, regulators or industry, and the confidence to operate effectively with ministers, senior officials and CEOs. They will combine strategic insight with the ability to engage with technical detail, understanding how national priorities translate into practical outcomes on the ground.

The EA is an organisation committed to innovation, inclusion and transformation. The Director of Energy and Resources will play a key role in ensuring that the Agency remains a trusted, evidence-based regulator — championing new ideas, digital tools and partnerships that strengthen performance, transparency and impact.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic and influential leader who wants to make a lasting contribution to the UK’s environmental future — helping to deliver cleaner growth, support the transition to net zero, and protect communities for generations to come.

Diversity and inclusion are central to the Environment Agency’s success. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can perform at their best.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Environment Agency on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit using reference OBRZI. Alternatively email . Applications should be received by noon on Friday 28th November.